Houston Texans' JJ Watt to Throw Out First Pitch for the Houston Astros This Season

By Lee White

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros begin this season on ESPN against theTexas Rangers on Opening Night. The Astros have yet to name their Opening Night starter, but I think it will be Bud Norris. I personally feel like Lucas Harrell is the best pitcher on the Astros’ squad, but I don’t think the Astros will have him open the season.

But forget all that. Earlier today, the Astros announced that Houston Texans superstar, JJ Watt, will throw out the first pitch for the Astros inaugural American League season. Watt won the NFL‘s Defensive Player of the Year award. The Houston superstar has had a busy offseason thus far. Watt became a Youtube sensation with his “proposal” to fulfill a six year old girl’s wish.

This week, Watt is in Afghanistan right now for a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour of the overseas military bases.

Opening Night for the Astros is going to be a huge deal. There will be tons of festivities for the fans. There will be a Street Fest that begins at 1:00 PM with live music that will carry on up until time for Watt’s first pitch. The pregame ceremony will include Watt’s first pitch, a flyover, united forces color guard, and National Anthem.

So yeah, you could say this is kind of a big deal.

All I know is Watt better throw himself a hard strike. The big man took batting practice last year at Minute Maid Park and crushed a few balls. I hope he has been working on his throwing motion, because I am expecting a strike.

If worse comes to worst, I’m sure the Astros could use Watt as a designated hitter.

Lee White is a writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, ”Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.